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The Love Continues for Michael Jackson 8 Years Later

My three MJ dolls

Entrance to Forest Lawn – 24 June 2017

Why do I return to Forest Lawn year after year on the anniversary of Michael Jackson’s death? In a word, love.

Every year around June 25th, cards, letters, roses, flowers, gifts, balloons and sunflowers begin arriving at Forest Lawn Glendale and Neverland. I spend days meeting and talking to fans and creating photos of the love he continues to inspire. I show up because love is in my blood. It’s healing to be surrounded by these genuine expressions of love for Michael Jackson.

I have always loved Hitomi Osani’s art work from Japan. She puts so much love into each piece of art she creates.

Hand made, detailed card from Vania in Italy.

Inside caption detail.

Card from Romania

The creativity that Michael Jackson fans pour into their cards is unlike anything I’ve ever seen.

I love the simplicity of this card.

Card from Mary K all the way from Greece.

Envelope of card from 16 Japanese fans.

I found this card to be so beautiful. 16 fans from Japan, who met each other because of their shared love of Michael Jackson. Heal the World he sang…..

“It has passed for eight years. However, you are still brilliant. I love you, Michael, forever. From Japan, Noriko.

Japanese fans work on their Michael Jackson tribute quilts throughout the entire year. The details of the quilt and what the fans write on their tiny sections of the quilt are creative and loving. I have always had a feeling that Michael can see all of the genuine heart-felt offerings that are left in his honor.

Quilt from Japan.

Insert from Japanese quilt from Risa.

Quilt insert from Japan.

Quilt insert.

Quilt insert from Mayuko

Quilt insert from 9 Japanese fans.

Sanae Himarwari

MJ’s eyes and eyebrows are finely embroidered by Akko.

Yuko Katsumata

Ikuko Ozawa from Japan.

Wonderful drawing of MJ by Rita.

“I am proud to be your fan.”

Another stunning artwork.

Yai Kojima from Japan.

backside of card – Yae Kojima – Japan

Haruyo from Japan.

Tiziana Schelling from Italy.

Marisa’s lovely card.

Chris from U.K.

I am particularly moved and proud to be a part of the ‘One Rose for Michael Jackson,’ organization spearheaded by Robyn Starkland. This year, 8,527 long stem roses are delivered for Michael. We unload the boxes in the hot sun and set them up. Tomorrow, on June 26, I will join Robyn’s team and show even more love by delivering the roses to various charities across Los Angeles.

8,527 red, long stem roses line the way to Michael’s resting place.

Robyn Starkland – Organizer of One Rose for Michael Jackson.

The team that set up the roses from One Rose for Michael Jackson.

The entire team!

After arranging the flowers, a woman carrying a handmade Michael Jackson doll catches my eye. I meet Miyuki Amano from Tokyo, Japan. The doll was intricate and well made. I have a fondness of MJ dolls, so I asked her how long it took her to make it. “It took me three weeks,” she answered. “One day I worked on it for six hours.” She told me she has loved Michael since the day she discovered The Jacksons in 1978. I thanked her, and without a moment’s hesitation she said, “I love you.”

That is a shining example of the power of Michael Jackson. He brings people from different cultures and continents together, who don’t even know each other, yet they have no problem expressing what can sometimes be hard for close friends to say to each other: “I love you.” The magnitude of such authentic kindness made me teary.

Miyuki Amano – Tokyo, Japan

Left to Right:Naoko SekomuneMiyuki AmanoHitomi Miura

I saw my friend Fanny Fung from Hong Kong. We were happy to see each other. She said she saw my recent photos on Instagram. “I would like to give you a thumbs up,” she said. More tears.

I liked the gentle nature of Jose Manuel and Sylvia Siles Rodriguez from Aran Valley, Spain. They are getting married at Forest Lawn on June 25, 2017.

Jose Manuel and Sylvia Siles Rodriquez from Aran Valley, Spain.

I was taken by Raquel Jean-Joseph’s aura immediately. I asked her about her practice and she told me her mother told her to meditate and then it came to her in a dream, because she had severe anxiety, that she needed to meditate.

Raquel Jean-Joseph was radiant in person.

And, here is Timmy Dolan, who is eleven years old. He said “I’ve been practicing Michael’s dances since I was eight. I discovered Michael by watching him on TV. I love his dance moves, he created a lot of dance moves.” When I asked him what he loved most about Michael he said “because he was kind.”

Eleven year old Timmy Dolan.

Singer Leonard Cohen wrote that there is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in. Michael’s light guided him throughout his life, through the good times and through the bad. He always gave credit to a higher power for his songs and ideas.

Michael was the soundtrack of my life. Driving in my 1979 white Volvo while listening to Off the Wall, and singing as loud as possible. Michael said he was here for a reason and that he loved being on stage because it made people happy. He felt it was his job. “As long as the people enjoy it, I’ll always be happy.”

Flowers from fans in China.

From fans in Japan.

From Vicky in Japan.

From Naoko in Japan.

Sachiko, Takeshi Nakamura designed this arrangment for the 35th anniversary of Thriller.

He was a public figure from the time he could walk, talk and sing. He knew he was born to entertain and he never doubted his purpose. His commitment to his art was first and lifelong. Michael’s dedication to his craft and his discipline continue to inspire me. His message of heal the world, we are the world, and his messages of peace, love for nature, and love for each other have never been more important.

“I will sing to achieve any purpose. I sing the only flower in the world! You look at me from heaven.Love, Atsuko

Dear Michael, I miss you so. I want to see you again.Harumi Onuzuka from Japan.

Whenever anyone said, “I love you” whether it was family, friend or fan, Michael was famous for saying “I love you more.”

Rest in peace.Petra

Teddy Riley, producer of Michael’s Dangerous album and co writer of Blood on the Dance Floor and Ghosts said “I’ve never witnessed anything or anyone as powerful as Michael”.

Michael was a powerful, young boy from Gary, Indiana who loved the innocence of children and animals. He would cry not only when he saw starving children, but also if he missed seeing James Brown on television. He dreamt of being the greatest entertainer in the world, and he was. Michael lived for his music and died for it too. Now, the world has unrequited love for Michael.

From Michael Jackson fans all around the globe, to the mighty boy from Gary, Indiana:

The Love Continues for Michael Jackson 7 Years Later

My MJ dolls

Homemade card at Forest Lawn 23 June 2016

Every year since Michael Jackson left us, I enter Forest Lawn cemetery in Glendale, on June 25. This year I am overwhelmed and amazed by the 10,547 roses thoughtfully placed for Michael like a big beautiful blanket surrounding all the other gifts for him from individuals near and far. The roses are a coordinated effort by Robyn Starkand’s group: One Rose for Michael Jackson. Robyn then undertakes more thought and work by paying the roses forward to various charities such as St. Vincent’s Meals on Wheels sister Alice Marie, Ronald McDonald House, Veterans LA and the Jewish Home for the Aged.

The arrival of roses from One Rose for Michael Jackson – created and organized by Robyn Starkand.

A fan helping set up the roses.

Forest Lawn – 25 June 2016

Robyn Starkand w/Sister Alice Marie of St. Vincent’s.

More roses off to charity.

Rumi wrote that the wound is where the light enters you. Michael’s light continues to light the way for his soldiers of love, on the seventh anniversary of his departure from this earthly plane. The media tore Michael apart with abusive allegations when he became a record-breaking force. Michael’s death triggered a deep genetic pain in me. The search for the truth about Michael became my obsession. It ignited a sense of tragic injustice that I felt as a child from being Jewish and having had my entire family on my father’s side killed in the Holocaust. Michael’s death also stirred the hurt and injustice I felt from having watched my mother’s abuse.

Samira Landau from France – This is her 4th trip to California to pay respects to Michael

Tonia Kelly – Atlanta, Georgia – This is her 7th trip, she began coming for the trial in 2005.

Beautiful, hand made card left at Forest Lawn on 23 June 2016

Joly, May, Queenie, Jessica travel from Hong Kong every year to bring Michael a flower board made with love.

From the fans in China.

Musical flowers

The Messenger of Love

The seventh child was not concerned about the expectations of others. He was listening to the music of life. His ideas and creativity were boundless. His joy came from expressing his connection to his soul, and sharing his gifts with others. His dream was to allow the magic and the wonder that he saw, to reveal the harmony and love in all of creation. If people could feel their connection to the oneness of life, the world could once again be a place of freedom and joy. The seventh joy demonstrated this truth, through his life and his art. He danced, sang, and spoke of peace, love, oneness and caring for the land and one another. Thank u Michael. You know u saved me.

The terrorist’s attacks in Orlando, Florida less than two weeks ago hardened my heart briefly. But, I am reminded of Michael’s pleas for a better future for our world. He kept his heart open and soft, even in the face of harsh media lies and public scorn – ever reminding me the importance of keeping your heart open because holding hatred in one’s heart only damages our souls. The media continues to publish totally baseless smear stories in an attempt to defame Michael. As true followers who understand his never-ending love and innocence for children, we continue to stand firmly and defend him against the recycled accusations. Someday the lies about Michael won’t trend, only his legacy. I personally will keep working tirelessly to remind the world who he was; an innocent humanitarian.

I was happy to see the fans from Japan who make the trip every year to deliver this hand made quilt. They work as a team with each person working on one piece, on weekends over the year. Today, they took a taxi from Hollywood to deliver it to Forest Lawn. They delivered a message to me from June, who usually comes. “Thank you and I love you.”

Yurika – I’m truly glad that I met you. To me, you are like the air. You are necessary for us. I love you.

Dolls from Japan.

10 year old Timothy discovered Michael when he was 5. He said “I dance, I sing and I love him”. When I asked him why he loved Michael he said “Because he was kind.”

Another quilt from Japan.

Quilt close up

Flowers from France

“How could I lead my life so that every cell of living matter was also benefited?” – Michael Jackson

The ocean of cards, flowers, teddy bears and love from fans from around the world to honor him makes it clear that Michael is going to be remembered not for the lies that were told about him, but for the great artist and human being that he was. The media went to great lengths to hoodwink the general public, but the informed readers and fans know better. Michael Jackson asked hard questions of everyone, yet he didn’t preach. That is part of the reason why we loved him and continue to love him. He was a transcendent being, gentle as a butterfly, with boundless generosity. An example of a creative whose life was inspired by curiosity not fear. He saw the beauty in each and every leaf. Michael flew away too soon. We loved and continue to love him for his heart and his art.

I used to dream
I used to glance beyond the stars
Now I don’t know where we are
Although I know we’ve drifted far

Michael Jackson’s Light Shining on Christmas”

When I pull into Forest Lawn Cemetery, I see a grand festive wreathe decorated in yellows, golds and reds. Five years and six months later, Michael Jackson is remembered, respected and honored at Forest Lawn. Dedications to him continue with Christmas trees left in his honor, complete with home made decorations.

Entrance to Forest Lawn

People have lovingly decorated spruce, pine and fir trees and left them close to Michael’s resting spot, at Holly Terrace. Three different sizes of trees complete with wrapped gifts, tiny bulbs, sparkling tinsel, and handmade cards with candles underneath.

Christmas tree for MJ

Christmas tree for MJ

Christmas for MJ

Christmas tree for MJ

There is a beautiful silence on the sacred grounds. Even the trees seem to understand that G-d is closest to those with broken hearts. There is a Jewish proverb: Do not be wise in words, be wise in deeds. And indeed, Michael walked his walk. He didn’t have to tell others how he helped those less fortunate; he just did. He was a spiritual force that touched billions of souls. When I visited Neverland, I saw the special hospital beds for sick and dying children that Michael had built into the walls of the movie screening room. He was that committed to helping the children. Our culture is obsessed with sex and it’s the cynics that made something pure and innocent, into something evil. I was witness to the opposite.

Forest Lawn tree

Christmas tree for MJ

Forest Lawn for MJ

I wonder if he knew how much light he brought into our world? Does he know how bright his light continues to shine? Michael spread light and was the embodiment of love and yet his loneliness never broke his spirit. As I quietly sit, reflecting on how Michael wanted to heal the world, I am struck by the light streaming through the trees at Holly Terrace. And there is my answer. Michael Jackson’s light touched every corner of the world. A golden reflection of light, lighting in every direction: south, north, east and west. “Heal the World” he sang. If we all cry at the same time, maybe we can.

MJ at Forest Lawn Cemetery

“He’s not afraid to look at the worst suffering and find the smallest part that’s positive and beautiful.” – Frank Dileo of Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson: This Life Don’t Last Forever: 5 Years Later on June 25, 2014

“This life don’t last forever.” That’s the first line of Michael Jackson’s Hold My Hand, which seems eerily prophetic now. Michael’s lyrics were inspired by friendship and togetherness themes. Friendships meant everything to Michael. He cherished, cared for and loved his friends. Michael’s spiritual view of living didn’t allow him to subscribe to duality; making others wrong. “It doesn’t matter who’s wrong or right just beat it.” Michael understood loyalty, saying his fans were always there for him.

Not only did Michael Jackson create music that will stay with us forever, but he filled us with hope for a better world. Heal the world, Michael sang and he believed he could, one person at a time. “I am your friend, through thick and thin, we need each other, we’ll never part, our love is from the heart, we never say I don’t need you.” Michael wrote in Best of Joy. I loved him when he was a little boy, when he set the world on fire with Thriller and Bad and all the music he created always.

card from Austria

His light shined so bright that when he left, there were no words that could fill the sorrow in our hearts. Michael kept his light glowing even when his loneliness enveloped him. His music lives on. His passion for life; music, dance, singing, animals, film and art continues to inspire us. Along with his beautiful heart which is filled with grace, kindness and compassion and most importantly, forgiveness. “The only thing that matters in life is having someone who understands you, who trusts you and who will be with you no matter what.” Michael truly understood what it is to be a friend.

From Deine Doris

How do I even begin to convey how Michael Jackson changed my life? Through his lyrical content he’s inspired me to strive for good. He’s inspired me to be true to myself and never give up on my dreams. He’s inspired me to hold onto my vision.He’s inspired me not to let the naysayers and negative nellies get me down. I think more than anything else he inspired me to be the best I can be at what I do.

from Germany

Henri Matisse said that creativity takes courage. Michael Jackson was a courageous man. He believed he should study the greats to become greater so he studied every art he could – from writing to poetry to dance, music and film. He studied and he learned yet he never lost his innocence. He didn’t shut his heart down; he kept opening it even though he was hurt again and again by the medialoid’s constant diet of trash & lies about him. Only small minded people accept and believe whatever the media writes on Michael. He was shattered over and over yet he kept his heart open, sending love into the world, over and over again.

From Hong Kong

From Hong Kong

From Hong Kong

From Queenie – Hong Kong

From Yoly – Hong Kong

From Yoly – Hong Kong

From Hong Kong

On the 5th anniversary of his departure from the earthly plane, we celebrate Michael Jackson by remembering and honoring his courage and his art. I’m moved and amazed at the outpouring of love that comes from all over the globe to Forest Lawn Cemetery every year. It’s a sea of love because we understand that Michael was love.

These are post cards for Michael Jackson from Italy:

Post cards for Michael Jackson from Italy

Yoko from Japan told me “I came 2 days ago. I go back to Japan tomorrow. It’s my first time here. Many countries and people gather. I stay downtown and take taxi to Forest Lawn.”

L to R: Yoku Kimura, Makie Yamamoto, Tomoko Fukuda

Here is a lovely quilt from Japan:

Hand made quilt from Japan

Some of the individual hand made pieces from the quilt:

Marika K

From Jampe – Japanese quilt

From Japanese quilt

From Japanese quilt

From Japanese quilt

From Japanese quilt

Another quilt from Japan:

Japanese quilt

Insert on quilt:

From Kayo – Japanese quilt

From Kana – Japanese quilt

Sanae – Japanese quilt

Japanese quilt

Maho – Japanese quilt

Japanese quilt

Marry

Japanese quilt

Japanese qullt

Junko – Japanese quilt

Yuko – Japanese quilt

Rie – Japanese quilt

Carine (Jadzzia) and Erik came from Belgium to lay out about fifty homemade cards for Michael. I asked Erik about coming all the way from Belgium. He said “The world is small, it’s easy to fly.”

Carine (Jadzzia) and Erik from Belgium with some of the 50 cards.

From Belgium

Drawing From Belgium

His ability to love unconditionally, to forgive from his heart is a lesson to us all. Michael said that people may refuse our love or reject our message, but they are defenseless against our prayers. For all those who haven’t forgiven, may Michael Jackson teach us all how to forgive, before it’s too late.

Atsuko – Japan

From Germany

Louise from England

From Japan

Hitomi from Japan

“Please, forgive all of us!”

We are Soldiers of Love whose mission is to spread love. We’re an army, a team of L.O.V.E. Just the way Michael intended.

What is so clear to me while wandering at Forest Lawn Glendale amidst the sea of people from all around the world is the desire for connection and the pain that comes from loss. Just like Michael sang about in so many of his songs.

Michael dolls from Japan

From Ireland

Flowers were coming in a flurry! Flower delivery at Forest Lawn

More flowers for Michael!

Yet more flowers for MJ!

More flowers for Michael!

Lovely artwork everywhere:

If anyone knows the artist, please let me know.

With love from the Hungarian fans

From fans in Spain

from Germany

Flowers from France

From Argentina

From Vancouver, B.C.

From Miyuki

Maria Zhdanova –Came to Forest Lawn in 2013. She made her way back to Forest Lawn all the way from Russia again in 2014. Michael’s fans are full of passion.

Dum Dum lollipops

“He left the formula behind. The fix for a broken world is in the lyrics of Michael’s music. Are you listening?”